Truth or Dare: The Imperial Court

[madame_de_fer]

WHO: Select Orlesian and Fereldan Nobility and the Inquisition
WHAT: Josephine and Vivienne have orchestrated a good-will soiree in response to this dastardly rumor.
WHEN: Drakonis 15, Evening
WHERE: Skyhold Great Hall
NOTES:
- A list of nobles in attendance can be found here. The list was provided by the mods but there will be no npc support for them. Play away.
- A secondary outside party is being held in the valley in the tent town for anyone who couldn't/wouldn't attend and/or behave in the fancy pansty party.
- The goal of the evening is to clear up a spurious rumor about Cassandra and Leliana, with secondary goals of establishing the Inquisition as a respectable presence in Thedas (and fish for more money). Any major disruptions that would Game Over the court approval should probably be brought to the advisors and/or mods.



To say that Josphine has far outdone herself with this little soiree would be the understatement of the year. The Lady Ambassador has pulled out all the stops in providing a festive and yet elegant stage for this political intervention. Because sometimes gossip can be more deadly than a sword.

The Great Hall of Skyhold has been converted into a grand receiving hall, glittering with hundreds of lights around the room, in addition to the repairs accomplished to the original chandeliers. Of course, there has been artful placement arranged so there are a few shadowy corners for rendezvous of the more suggestive nature. Just in case. The majority of the floor has been cleared for dancing, and a fine troupe of musicians have been installed for the bulk of the evening's entertainments. Some members of the Inquisition have plans to entice attendees with their own artistic performances in addition to the group of mages performing illusory tricks to oohs and aahs.

For those who feel their energy flagging, there are chairs set against the walls, with a few tables interspersed between. Servers hired for the evening circulate the crowds with wine, fine Orlesian and Nevarran reds as well as crisp whites from Antiva. Refreshments are set out on buffet tables, tasteful and extravagant nibbles, including imported cheeses, spicy saucisson, dried fruits and nuts, and the highly sought after deep mushroom and anise petits fours that are all the rage in Orlais.

Comments

[serannas]

Ellana has been keeping an eye out for Felix, but in an environment where every look is carefully scrutinized, she's been trying to stay subtle about it. When she finally does spot him, it takes a great deal of effort not to outwardly react, but despite her plans to hide her emotions tonight, she feels the heat on her cheeks and retreats to a quiet corner. No nobles are allowed to see her blush.

She tries to make her way over to him, but she keeps being delayed by small talk and requests to dance, so by the time she finally gets to him, she's had enough. Ellana wants to stay by Felix for the rest of the evening and refuses to let herself be dragged away. When she reaches him, he's just ended a conversation and she stops, hands clasped lightly and trying not to fidget.

"Felix," she greets, and a genuine smile spreads across her face. "I've been wanting to talk to you all night, and just couldn't get away from others until now."

[blightedson]

For a second, all Felix does is stare. That dress is beautiful and suits her so well that he feels his chest is too tight for a moment. "Ellana," he replies and he manages to stop his gawking to smile and offer to bow his head a bit.

"You look lovely."

[serannas]

"Ma serannas," she replies, feeling a boost of confidence at the way he looks at her. To get that sort of reaction out of him makes her feel powerful, like she could do anything, say anything. She reaches out a hand to him.

"Will you dance with me?"

[blightedson]

He takes her hand and chuckles a bit. "Isn't it usually the gentleman that asks?" he says, though he doesn't seem to mind being asked to dance at all. "Or is that something else that's different in the South?" He's saying it more to tease than anything. He moves with her to the floor easily.

[serannas]

"Let's just say I couldn't wait for you to ask me," she replies, moving into position with him on the floor. "This is the only dance I know." Which she doesn't mind admitting to him. The waltz is simple, and she doesn't have to concentrate too hard on it, which leaves time for talking.

[blightedson]

When they get to the floor, Felix puts a hand on her waist and uses the other one to hold her hand. "Shall I take the lead now?" he asks, and in this he isn't making fun of her. It's more asking permission than anything.

"I'd be happy to teach you more dances. I know many from Tevinter and some from Orlais."

[serannas]

"Please do," she replies, placing her hand up on his shoulder. It's hard not to blush feeling his hand against hers, and she can only hope she doesn't start sweating or trembling like a fool.

"Would you? I would love that! You must know plenty of the dances they're performing here tonight."

[blightedson]

Felix nods. "I'd love to," he explains. "And I know some. It's been some years since I was in Orlais and the country is nothing if not trendy." He takes control of getting them into the dance, starting to lead her around. He feels like his cheeks are going to start to ache from how wide and happy his grin is. "The ones I know are already outdated."

[serannas]

"Oh?" That draws a chuckle from her. "It doesn't matter to me if the dances are out of fashion." And in her boldness, she can't help but add: "What matters is that I'll be dancing them with you."

[blightedson]

Felix feels his cheeks flush at that. "Ah, well, I'd be happy to cling to out of date dances if it means making you smile."

[serannas]

"You always make me smile." As is evidenced by the fact she's doing it right now. "The only way my smile could grow any larger is if you're handing me one of those tiny cakes. I'm afraid I'm addicted to them. I've probably had enough this evening, but I can't help going back for more."

[blightedson]

"Oh, I know. The food here is fantastic. That's one thing Orlais gets right." He seems pleased at the idea. "We can go get some once the song is over?"

[serannas]

Definitely the one thing, if she's counting.

"I think we'll have to. I won't be able to resist." She giggles at her tiny cake love and her hand slides across his shoulder, a little bit closer to his neck.

"This is nice. The best part of my evening by far."

[blightedson]

"How was the rest of your evening?" he asks, curious now that she brought it up. "I'm sure you've gotten a lot of attention."

[serannas]

"I've been trying to act a bit aloof, really. If anything, I'm confusing the nobles who think I should be getting them another drink." But it's felt really good to have them off-balance. She doesn't long for power or influence, but tonight she does feel like she could take on the world.

"I want to remember this night, so whenever I start to lose confidence in myself, it can be a reminder to stay strong."

[blightedson]

"You are strong, Ellana," Felix replies. "If you need a reminder I can tell you too."

[serannas]

"I would like hearing it from you," she says, feeling like she's getting overheated. "You always know just what to say to make me feel good about myself, or confident in myself." And he means so much to her in return. It's something she has to tell him, but the song draws to a close. Not just yet. Maybe they can talk alone?

"I have an idea. Would you be willing to steal a handful of cakes with me and make a run for it? I was hoping we could talk more privately."

[blightedson]

Honestly, he feels so relieved at the suggestion. He hadn't wanted to get away from her so the offer to spend some time alone is more than welcome. "Let's," he says. "Hopefully no one will try to take your attention while we do."

[serannas]

"We can move fast. And I'll pretend I didn't hear them." As they make their way off the dance floor and towards the banquet tables, she adds, "Oh, and no deep mushroom cakes for me, please." Because if he goes to the trouble of getting those for her, she'll be forced to eat them!

[blightedson]

He is careful to avoid the mushroom cakes then. Between the two of them, they manage to get a nice collection of snacks and then head to a door to take some time alone. He is still grinning stupidly, but he can't help it. It's strange how doing just the simplest thing with her makes him feel giddy and silly.

[serannas]

There are some people milling about outside with the idea of getting some fresh air too, but most people who aren't at this soiree are down in the valley enjoying a party of their own. Ellana finds a quiet spot for the two of them to sit on a low, stone wall that's out of the direct light of the torches, but not in total darkness either. She starts eating her cakes with relish.

"Mmm. This is the greatest food ever created, I think." Her eyes shine as the torch light reflects off the backs of them, the color a bright green in the otherwise dim area. Hopefully it doesn't frighten him.

[blightedson]

It doesn't, though he does find himself staring a bit. He thinks she looks too beautiful for words. He realizing he's staring and then turns to pick out a cake for himself. When he bites into it he makes a noise of pleasure. "Ah, you might be right," he admits. "These are lovely."

[serannas]

And she's staring back because he's so handsome it makes her heart ache. She smiles when he looks away and makes sure to swallow before she speaks. Here she's been worrying over what she's felt for him ever since the Wardens cured him. Are her feelings too strong? Have they come about too quickly? She doesn't want to end up hurt, but at the same time, she doesn't want to wait anymore.

"Felix," she begins, waiting until his hand is free to slip hers into it, fingertips brushing against his palm. "There's something I need to tell you."

[blightedson]

He moves his own hand to take hers more firmly, marveling a bit at how easy it was to take. "Of course," he said. "I'm here, Anything you need to talk about."

[serannas]

Ellana smiles, because he makes things so easy. Why has she been so worried about this?

"I just need to tell you how much I care about you." She exhales a breath, tightening her hold. "And how much-- how strong my feelings are for you. I don't mean as a friend. I mean that I feel more than that for you."

Her heart is pounding so hard, she feels it might make a break for it and leap out of her chest. By saying all this, she's laying herself bare before him, hoping that this feeling is mutual. She says a silent prayer to the Creators that he feels the same, and if he doesn't, that she can walk away from him without crying.

She already feels like she wants to cry; cry with relief that she's said the words that have been floating around in her head for what feels like so long, even if it hasn't been more than a few months.

"I need to know if you feel the same way, or-- or if you think you could ever feel the same way about me. If you think we could be more than friends?" Her voice nearly breaks on the last word and now her hand is trembling in his.